Meet Our Team

Diane L. Houk, DDS, MS ("Dr Diane") - Pediatric Dentist

Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Diane is a native of Beatrice, NE. She graduated Cum Laude from Kansas State University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology. She attended dental school at the University of Iowa where she received her Doctorate in Dental Surgery. Dr Diane was then accepted to the University of Iowa combined specialty program in Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health where she received three years of specialty training before being awarded her Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry and Master's in Dental Public Health. Upon completing her schooling, Dr. Diane was named Dental Director of the Des Moines Health Center where she treated thousands of under-served children and also supervised University of Iowa dental residents. Dr. Diane is Board Certified and a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, as well as Secretary of the Iowa Dental Association.

Dr. Diane opened her private practice at the Ankeny Mercy North Medical Complex in July of 2005. She is committed to helping your child keep an attractive, healthy smile for a lifetime. She prides herself on preventing dental problems, protecting children’s overall health, and creating a relaxed and fun experience in a state of the art facility that includes TV’s above each chair and low-dose digital x-rays. Dr. Diane welcomes every patient that walks in the door with a cheerful smile that makes kids feel comfortable and at ease.

Dr. Diane and her husband Rob have been active residents of the Ankeny community since 2001. When away from the office, Dr. Diane enjoys entertaining family and friends, traveling, spoiling her fur-baby Lulu, and cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Christopher R. Myers, DDS, ("Dr. Chris") – Pediatric Dentist

Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Chris is a native of Brighton, MI. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biopsychology from the University of Michigan. He was then awarded a one year post-baccalaureate fellowship to participate in research at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research in Bethesda, MD. Dr. Chris attended the University of Michigan School of Dentistry where he received his Doctorate in Dental Surgery. He worked for two years at a community health center in Everett, WA to provide dental care to underserved patients before electing to pursue his interest in pediatric dentistry. He was accepted into the University of Iowa Pediatric Dentistry specialty program and received two years of training in the care and management of infants, children and patients with special health care needs. Upon receiving his Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Chris joined the dental team at the Des Moines Health Center where he treated children of all ages in both the clinical and hospital setting. While there he also served as an adjunct faculty member of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry to provide pediatric training to dental students while on their outreach rotation.

Dr. Chris is Board Certified and a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. He is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Iowa Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. He is committed to providing quality dental care and promoting oral health in a setting that is safe and educational for children and parents.

Dr. Chris resides in Ankeny with his wife, Ellen, their daughter Julia and son Will, and their two dogs Cooper and Fitz. When not working, Dr. Chris enjoys playing soccer and walking the dogs with his family. Although he is a huge fan of the Michigan Wolverines, he has decided it is in his best interest to also root for the Hawkeyes!

Staff

Ashley – Front Desk Manager

Ashley joined Ankeny Children’s Dental in December 2012. She graduated from Iowa State and continues to support her love of being a CYCLONE fanatic, especially during the basketball season. Ashley enjoys cooking, baking, reading and working on house projects throughout the year. She loves spending fun family time with her husband Matt and her adorable “mini-me” daughters Olivia and Lillian. Ashley is the first person that will greet you at our office. She will welcome you with a bright smile and cheerful hello. Her positive energy is infectious and Ashley will always go the extra mile for our parents and families.

Kourtney - Front Desk Coordinator

Kourtney joined Ankeny Children's Dental in June 2014 upon graduating from the Associates and Administrative Assisting program at DMACC. She is originally from Audubon and now resides in Ankeny with her husband, Tanner and their two dogs Garth and Barkley. Kourtney is a proud auntie and loves spending time with her niece, Zoe and nephew, Gage. She loves doing DIY projects, especially for her new home. When Kourtney is not busy cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones, she loves being outdoors when the Iowa weather permits! Her helpful personality, knowledge of insurance, and carefree attitude make the "smile" in our Smile City.

Sierra – Dental Assistant & Assistant Office Manager

Sierra joined Ankeny Children’s Dental in January 2009 upon graduating from the Dental Assisting Program at DMACC. She was born and raised in Winterset and now resides in Altoona. She loves spending time with her son Kale, her two cats Simon and Stuart, and hanging out with her family and friends. Sierra loves to be outdoors, especially boating on the lake and biking. Her favorite pastimes include baking, and reading. Sierra is warm-hearted, sweet, and is excited to make every child’s visit FUN and positive!

Taryn – Lead Dental Assistant

Taryn joined Ankeny Children’s Dental in September 2009 upon graduating from the Dental Assisting Program at DMACC. She grew up in Pleasant Hill and now resides in Indianola. Taryn enjoys spending time with her husband Matt, family, friends, and rooting for the Cyclones. She is a huge animal lover and adores her dogs, Tucker, Tech and Winston. She loves being outdoors, reading, music, working out, and hunting. Taryn and Matt are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their little girl, due in Spring 2017. Taryn is positive, funny, outgoing, and very thorough. Taryn’s enthusiasm is contagious, making every child’s visit an enjoyable one!

Mallory – Dental Assistant

Mallory joined Ankeny Children’s Dental in December 2013. She graduated from the Dental Assisting Program at DMACC. She grew up in Cedar Falls, IA and now resides in Elkhart, IA with her husband Chris, her two dogs, a Weimaraner named Gage and her black lab Rocky. Outside of work, Mallory enjoys traveling, boating, spending time outdoors, working on projects for her house and hunting with her husband. She is a die hard IOWA HAWKEYES fan. Mallory is super great with kids, her patient attitude and caring personality allow kids to enjoy every visit to the dentist and being able to do that makes her DAY!

Almedina – Dental Assistant

Almedina joined Ankeny Children's Dental in June 2015. She graduated from the Dental Assisting Program at DMACC. Almedina is originally from Bosnia, but relocated to Ankeny in 1998. She still resides in Ankeny with her husband, Ermin, daughter Belma and newborn son Malik. When she is not working, Almedina enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching movies, and baking. She also enjoys rooting on the Hawkeyes! Almedina is super sweet, thoughtful, and caring with all of her patients.

Cailey – Dental Assistant

Cailey joined Ankeny Children’s Dental in August 2016, after interning at our office prior and graduating from DMACC. She grew up in Panora, IA and now resides in Huxley, IA. She enjoys being outdoors, and spending all of her spare time with family and dear friends. She is a proud corgi owner and loves to spoil her fur-baby, Ivan. Some of her hobbies are decorating her new townhouse and cheering for the Cyclones. She is easygoing, respectful, and a gentle dental assistant. Cailey is great at making kids smile and is a kid at heart herself.

Jamie – Dental Assistant

Jamie joined Ankeny Children’s Dental in July 2014. She graduated from the Dental Assisting Program at Vatterott College in Des Moines. She grew up near Villisca, IA and now resides in Dallas Center, IA with her husband Blake and sons Jesse and Wyatt. She loves being a MOM! She enjoys spending time outside, gardening, camping and other outdoor activities. Jamie also enjoys reading and spending time with her family. She is compassionate, caring, considerate, and makes patients feel at ease.

Brittany – Dental Assistant

Brittany joined Ankeny Children's Dental in May 2015. She graduated from the Dental Assisting Program at DMACC. She grew in Prairie City, IA and currently still lives there. Brittany loves to spend time with her friends, checking out new restaurants, and going to the movies. She is a social butterfly who is always planning fun weekend activities. She loves to be outdoors, but only in the warm weather where you will find her playing volleyball. She is free spirited, dependable and her friendly personality reassures her patients.

Laura – Dental Assistant

Laura joined Ankeny Children's Dental in February 2016. She graduated from Dental Assisting Program at DMACC in 2014. She grew up in Stratford, IA and now resides in State Center with her husband, Joe. Laura is an avid outdoor enthusiast and when the Iowa weather permits, you can find her boating, hunting or four-wheeling. She also loves to spend time with her family and friends, especially when they are cheering on the Cyclones! Laura is caring, laid-back and passionate. She loves to educate and help patients so that they can attain optimal dental health.

Rob – Business Manager

Rob and Dr. Diane opened Ankeny Children’s Dental in July 2005. Rob has been an active member of the Ankeny community since 2001. He enjoys volunteering and supporting fundraiser events. When not at the office, he can usually be found on a golf course or attending University of Iowa sporting events. Rob is easy going, likes to have fun around the office, and is very helpful to parents and his employees.